The Companion to Specialist Surgical Practice series provides surgeons in higher training and those wanting an update with a practical reference source of the most current information on recent developments, the latest management issues and operative procedures in each of the major sub-specialties. The series is thoroughly referenced and supported by evidence-based data. The eight volumes comprising the series are written and produced to a very tight schedule allowing these aspirations to be met. In order to meet the increasing interest in Evidence-Based Medicine the authors have cited wherever available the meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, systematic literature reviews and observational studies and have identified key references within the text that support evidence-based practice. Test sections and references are highlighted using a ‘scalpel code' to indicate the presence of evidence for the interventional procedures under discussion.